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Moving to a new city can be fun and exciting, but the transition often creates challenges for your social life and career. Networking is tricky for everybody—especially when you hardly know anyone—but it is an opportunity to make connections and move your career in a new direction. But how can you network after uprooting and moving to an unfamiliar city? The best way to start is by getting involved in your new community. You can do this by volunteering, attending social events and joining a local organization that aligns with your interests. Luckily, the Little Rock area is home to numerous organizations that want to help young people succeed. These non-profit young professionals groups are typically open to ages 21 to 40, and each have unique opportunities for members to grow their network, create friendships, progress their careers and invest in the community. Newcomers to Little Rock have no need to fear! We’ve put together a list of seven of these unique organizations the Metro has to offer.

Emerging Leaders

The Centers

As one of the oldest nonprofits in Arkansas, The Centers knows how to engage young people within the Little Rock community. Emerging Leaders Young Professionals volunteer with children in their programs, plan fundraising events and learn leadership and community service along the way. This group also hosts the popular Brunchfest, which pairs local restaurants with a local cause.

Learn more: thecentersar.com/foundation

Stage Door Social

Arkansas Repertory Theatre

The Rep made a huge comeback to live theater with its 2021-22 season. Through its young patron program, you can experience professional productions with your peers while investing in the arts culture of Little Rock. Stage Door members get tickets to every mainstage show, host major parties and attend exclusive pre- and post- show events.

Learn more: therep.org/stage-door-social

The Guardians

Easterseals Arkansas

The mission of Easterseals is to help children and adults with disabilities achieve independence, and its young adult group supports this goal through volunteering and education. The Guardians Board and Membership Group get involved in the community by organizing fundraising events, donation drives and sponsoring children and adults at Christmas. They are known for the Easterseals Fashion Event, a fun fashion show that takes place each Spring!

Learn more: easterseals.com/arkansas/get-involved

Urban League Young Professionals

Urban League of the State of Arkansas

This group supports the Urban League’s three tenets (community service, social justice and networking) through community outreach initiatives. The group spearheads projects like collecting donations of school supplies and encouraging voter literacy. Overall, they are helping to improve equity in the Little Rock area.

Learn more: urbanleagueark.org/young-professionals

SHARP

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

If you enjoy the arts and want to connect with like-minded young professionals, SHARP is a great option. This group attends contemporary social events that provide educational and networking opportunities. In turn, members promote audience growth and help the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra continue to provide quality entertainment for the community.

Learn more: arkansassymphony.org/sharp

Create Little Rock

Little Rock Regional Chamber

This organization provides members with opportunities for personal and professional growth through networking, educational programming, civic engagement and leadership development. Members also volunteer for nonprofits in the Metro through the group’s Serve the Rock initiative. Create Little Rock is a great way to invest in your community and learn valuable career skills along the way.

Learn more: createlittlerock.com

Arkansas Outdoor Society

Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation

Whether you hunt, fish or simply enjoy nature, the Arkansas Outdoor Society has a place for you. This nonprofit aims to promote interest in the outdoors while raising awareness to wildlife conservation issues in Arkansas. The group hosts exclusive events to get people outside and unplug, and its members help support the preservation of the state’s heritage of hunting, fishing and wildlife. 

Learn more: agff.org/arkansas-outdoor-society